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Description

In the Bachelor of Music you will learn practical skills and advanced musicianship, and will also be exposed to the creative, cultural, historical and technical aspects of music making and musical thinking. In addition to learning about music from a variety of perspectives, this course allows you to build a high level of expertise in one of four specialisations:

Creative music technology

Ethnomusicology and musicology

Music composition

Music performance.

You will benefit from a vibrant, nurturing and productive environment, with modern facilities, unique archival collections and scholarship prospects. In addition, you will enjoy a wide range of educational opportunities, including studying with international visiting artists and researchers, and have the option of undertaking overseas units as part of your course.

Double degrees

The Bachelor of Music can be taken in combination with the following courses:

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of Education (Honours)

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Bachelor of Science

This will lead to the award of two degrees, the Bachelor of Music and the degree awarded by the partner course. The requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Music are the same whether completed as a single or double degree. Students should refer to the course entry for the partner course and the course mapcourse map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2017handbooks/maps/) for the double degree, for the requirements for the other degree.

Specialisations

Creative music technology

This specialisation focuses on the development of theoretical and practical skills that emphasise the creative application of technology within professional music, sound, broadcast, multimedia and research contexts. It prepares you to undertake employment and research opportunities in the music business as well as in the broader creative industries.

Ethnomusicology and musicology

Through this specialisation you will develop critical thinking skills about music, including broadening your understanding of the role of music in society, music history, philosophical and aesthetic aspects of music, performance practice, and the music traditions of various cultures.

The specialisation culminates in a major project that may include archival work, the construction of a musical instrument, the preparation of a series of radio programs, the organisation of a music exhibition or the preparation of an academic publication. This specialisation enables you to pursue academic music study in preparation for a career in music research or various music-related vocations, for example, film, television and radio production, music publishing, music journalism, music administration, as well as archival, library and museum work.

Music composition

Through this specialisation you will acquire experience and skills in music composition. The program offers supervision of your compositional projects and encourages work in various media, including acoustic, electronic, and contemporary solo and ensemble combinations. You will also have the opportunity to work with and have your compositions performed by several large and small ensembles in the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music.

Music performance

Students with strong musical aptitude in classical or jazz performance may undertake this specialisation. You will acquire an assured instrumental or vocal technique and demonstrate specific performance practice skills by participating in a variety of ensembles. Throughout the program you will undertake both solo and ensemble work.

demonstrate a critical awareness of how your own specialisation is placed within a broader industry or disciplinary context

draw from a range of resources and skills to enhance adaptability and effectively prepare for a career in your chosen specialisation

actively engage with the international and cross-cultural elements of your specialisation.

Structure

The course develops through the three themes of music specialist study, music theory and ear training, and music context study.

Part A. Music specialist study

This sequence of units will provide you with specialist skills to undertake a final examination either through performance with your chief instrument or voice, or through a folio of compositions, creative music technology media or written work. Performance and other applied electives are also available.

Part B. Music theory and ear training

This will integrate the development of aural skills with the theoretical understanding of music through listening, analysis, performance, notation and composition.

Part C. Music context studies

These studies will expose you to the study of music and music making in various cultural, historical, social and professional settings through introductory units and a capstone experience.

Part D. Free elective study

Electives will enable you to further develop your knowledge of music or Arts more broadly, or to select units from across the University (in which you are eligible to enrol).

Requirements

The course comprises 144 points, of which 96 points are music study and 48 points are free electives.

Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than ten units (60 points) can be credited to the music course at level 1 and a minimum of 24 points must be completed in music at level 3.

Students completing a double degree must complete no more than six level 1 arts units (36 points) and at least 36 points at level 3 of which at least 24 points must be arts units.

Part A. Music specialist study (36 points)

You must complete the specified six units for one of the following specialisations. To avoid exceeding the standard three year course duration students must enrol in the music specialist study 1 and 2 units in their first year of study, then progress to the music specialist study 3 to 6 units in the following years. Students must pass each unit sequentially.

ATS3094 The music business: How to be successful in the music industry

Part D. Free elective study (48 points)

You may select any ethnomusicology and musicology units from Part A. Music specialist study, or any units from Part C. Music context study, as listed above. You may also select units from the music electives listed below as long as you are eligible to enrol in the particular units. In addition, you may choose units from across the Arts faculty, or from across the University (including a major or minor from another course) as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units. The units may be at any level, however, no more than 10 units (60 points) at level 1 can be credited to the Bachelor of Music and a minimum of 24 points must be completed in music at level 3.

Overseas units

Progression to further studies

Students successfully completing the Bachelor of Music may proceed to a one-year honours program leading to A3702 Bachelor of Music (Honours). To be eligible to apply for entry into the Bachelor of Music (Honours), students must obtain a distinction grade average (70 per cent) or above in 24 points of studies in relevant units at third-year level, which will normally include at least 24 points of units in the discipline in which you wish to undertake honours.